Livin' the good life in WV

So I got sick and it like, ruined my life for about a week and a half. It has messed with my training and caused my to skip a ton of sessions. I’ve neglected the blog. It has turned me into a sluggish slob. And I just feel like crap.

I was living on a healthy dose of this for about a week.

However, I still got one or two running sessions in…including this slow yet steady treadmill run (can’t wait until winter is finally gone!!!)

That’s what mine looked like. I’ve been eating on it for days and still tastes great! Thanks to Becky from Olives ‘n Wine!

In other news…I’m still going strong with the half marathon training, surprisingly. Just completed a three mile treadmill run today (it’s too cold outside!) and 30 minutes of weight training at the rec. This is what I look like after I run…

My face matches my shirt…ugh.

Two days ago I met up with one of my besties, Katie, to go for a three mile run on the rail trail (since it was like, 60 degrees outside!). I love running on the rail trail…it’s my fav. After running we stopped at the new Juice Bar here in Morgantown. What’s that you say, a JUICE BAR in Morgantown, WEST VIRGINIA?!?! Yep! And it…was…awesome. Everything a juice bar should be. Cool hipster décor with cool hipster music playing…and it reeked of grass or kale or something green. Fabulous. Loved it. Going back asap! And you should too! They also have smoothies and other yummy things. https://www.facebook.com/RealJuiceBar

I found it thanks to my friend Rachel, who has already run a half…over achiever… She’ll be training for the one I’m running in June along with me. She doesn’t know it yet, but she’ll be coaching me along the way as well! ;-)

This particular training program is free, which is super. There are other free training programs as well as ones where you only walk or you walk most but run some…or run most but walk some. The possibilities are endless it seems! This makes me feel a little better actually. Running doesn’t come very naturally to me. I took three or four one minute walking breaks last night and I felt badly about myself. But, apparently, that’s ok! Yay!

This FREE program is an example of one where you run most but walk some:

I did it…I ran three miles for my first training run. It was rough, not gonna lie. I’m going to attribute it to three reasons: 1.) I’m fat and out of shape 2.) I had it on a 2% incline 3.) I have a low ankle sprain and keep getting blisters on the inside of my feet. Whatever, it’s done.

WV has a large Italian population. There are multiple Italian heritage festivals throughout the state and some excellent Italian eateries throughout the north-central part of the state. (Let me know if you want some recommendations!) I, unfortunately, am not Italian :-( (Mostly Slovak, German, Scotch-Irish, English, and Native American…you know, a mutt!) But somehow Italian food is my fav. I mean, who doesn’t love stuffing their face with eating pizza and pasta? If you don’t, you’re the freak…not me!

Anyways…pizza and pasta aren’t always the healthiest option. That’s why I created this Italian Bison Chili. Holy YUM!!! I love chili because it’s filling, satisfying, and very healthy. Also, you can make a ton and eat on it the whole week! This recipe in particular is extra yummy and healthy by using bison instead of beef, leaving out beans, and adding flavor using the one and only Oliverios peppers. If you’ve never heard or tried these peppers you are missing out.

Italian Bison Chili

1.5lbs ground bison

1/2 onion, chopped, sauted

2 14oz. cans diced tomatoes (don’t drain)

1 large jar Oliverios peppers

1.5 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 tsp. Italian seasoning mix

1 tsp. dried basil

1 tsp. fennel seeds

1 tsp. crushed red pepper

1 tsp. black pepper

2 tsp. salt

Plain greek yogurt (optional)

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Brown the meat over medium high heat.

Saute onions in meat drippings over low heat. Add garlic at the end.

Transfer meat and onions to large pot.

Add tomatoes, peppers, broth, and seasonings. Stir and simmer for ~30 minutes until it reduces down a bit.

Top with yogurt and cheese.

Enjoy!

Easy peasy! I made some quick cornbread to go with it…nothing fancy. Just the recipe on the back of the corn meal canister. Wasn’t all that great either…but you gotta have cornbread with chili right?

Ok, off to run the first 3 miles of half marathon training! Wish me luck!